PDGFR BETA Meaning and
Definition
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PDGFR beta, also known as Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor beta, is a protein that belongs to the receptor tyrosine kinase family. It plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, division, and differentiation.
PDGFR beta is primarily expressed on the surface of certain cells, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes. It acts as a receptor for platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), which are pivotal in various physiological processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, wound healing, and tissue remodeling.
The PDGFR beta protein consists of an extracellular domain, a single transmembrane region, and an intracellular domain. Upon binding with PDGF ligands, the receptor undergoes dimerization, leading to receptor activation. This results in the autophosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues within the intracellular domain, triggering downstream signaling cascades that regulate various cellular processes.
Abnormalities in PDGFR beta signaling have been associated with several diseases, including cancers such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Consequently, PDGFR beta has become an important therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Inhibitors that block PDGFR beta activation can help prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
In summary, PDGFR beta is a receptor protein that plays a critical role in various cellular processes by responding to platelet-derived growth factors. It is involved in normal physiological processes, but dysregulation of its signaling pathway can contribute to the development of diseases, particularly certain types of cancer.
Common Misspellings for PDGFR BETA
Etymology of PDGFR BETA
The etymology of the term "PDGFR beta" is derived from the combination of several elements:
1. PDGF: PDGF stands for Platelet-Derived Growth Factor. It was first discovered in the 1970s as a protein derived from platelets (cell fragments involved in blood clotting). PDGF plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell growth, division, and tissue repair.
2. R: In this context, "R" stands for receptor, which is a molecule on the surface of cells that interacts with specific signaling molecules, such as growth factors. Receptors enable the transmission of signals from the external environment into the cell, initiating various cellular responses.
3. Beta: In molecular biology, Greek letters like alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), etc., are often used to differentiate multiple isoforms or variants of the same protein or receptor.
